If our eyes are the windows to our soul, then why not treat yourself by enhancing those windows with some dazzling eyelashes? Here's all you need to know as to just how to grow long eyelashes—just in time for the holidays.

The other day I slipped away for a much-needed TGIF lunch with one of my girlfriends. As I looked at her across the table, somehow her face appeared brighter and more youthful than usual, but I couldn’t quite put my finger on why. So after I’d made my way halfway through a glass of Chardonnay, I got up the nerve to ask her about it and it turns out she’s been using an eyelash enhancer that’s apparently yielding her some worthwhile results.

While it might not be what any of us want to hear, apparently as we age, our lashes and eyebrows tend to lose their fullness and they can become faded and lighter in color, too. Since eyelashes and eyebrows are what frame our eyes, when they begin to diminish it can sometimes result in making our face appear washed out and less youthful.

I’ve often wondered what all the hype was with eyelash growth enhancers, so I dug around and did a little more research to see what I could find out. I discovered there are a lot of different brands of eyelash enhancers out there and many of them can be quite expensive, too. So if you're considering using an eyelash growth enhancer, here are a few tips to help get you started searching for a product that will best suit your needs.

Ask Questions & Do Your Homework

Whenever using any product that could potentially come in contact with the sensitive areas of your eyes, safety and health should always be your number one consideration. If you begin to use a product and have any kind of reaction to it, either prescription or non-prescription, you should always discontinue using it immediately and consult your doctor.

What are the Costs of these Products?

I found a huge price range among lash enhancing products, beginning anywhere from the $20 ranging all the way up to about $120 for a bottle of the prescription variety! Prices tend to vary depending on active ingredients, size of the products, aggressiveness of their marketing program, etc.

Primers & Plumpers vs Actual Growth Promoters

If it’s increased lash growth and thickness you’re after, be sure to read through the product description carefully to make sure you’re buying the correct product that will achieve the results you're looking for. If you end up buying a product that merely primes and loads up your lashes with mascara, you’re going to be disappointed if you’re goal is to increase actual lash growth.

Prescription vs Non-Prescription?

real Latisse user results via Latisse.com

Latisse is a widely advertised prescription eyelash enhancer that has been approved by the FDA and utilizes Bimatoprost to promote eyelash growth. Bimatoprost is a medicine that is also to treat glaucoma, so WebMD notes that if you get it in your eyes while using it for eyelash growth, it could potentially make it less effective later if you ever needed to be treated for glaucoma.

Although some users swear by this product, you should be aware the Mayo Clinic notes some potential side effects could include itchy red eyes, darkened eyelids & the potential for darkened pigmentation in the colored portion of the eye (iris). As with any prescription medication, you will need to consult with your doctor about the pros and cons of using it.

SmartLash Eyelash Enhancer was reviewed by almost 4000 users, 89% of whom said they would purchase it again. 100% claimed to see an increase in eyelash growth after 30 days, based upon applying the product twice a day. It’s prostaglandin-free formula is said to have less harsh side effects than other lash enhancement products and it can be purchased over the counter, without a prescription.

However, if you feel more comfortable using an eyelash enhancer that derived from soy and amino acid proteins, you’ll love Tarte’s MultiplEYE Lash Enchancer. It’s protein emulsion is infused with a plant-derived thickening agent (cellulose) and Vitamin C as an antioxidant booster. Most reviewers gave it at 4-5 star rating, with many positive comments stating they were skeptical at first about buying it, but found it to be quite effective on both their eyelashes and their eyebrows too!

Have you tried any of these products (or other lash enhancing products)? What were your results?

Ann Monroe (aka Maureen Smith) is a Santa Monica based writer and editor who drives her friends and family crazy with her non-stop love for wordsmithing & humor. Her relentless passion for writing, design, research and travel has steered her into many life adventures ranging from writing to winemaking to real estate project development.